Neighbors have to weigh decisions on paying into sports complexes

ROCKFORD - Supporters of plans to build a pair of sports complexes want neighbors of Rockford and Loves Park to think regionally as they decide whether to give financial support to the projects.

Surrounding communities will share the benefits of more tourists in town for tournaments and other competitions at a new downtown Rockford sports complex and expanded facilities in Loves Park, the philosophy goes. So they, too, should share a small piece of the construction costs.

The Rockford Park District and Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, which has spearheaded the effort to expand sports facilities, want Cherry Valley and Machesney Park to each contribute $600,000 over 20 years to help pay for improvements at Sportscore Two in Loves Park.

The new facilities will be used by residents in Machesney Park and Cherry Valley, as well as thousands of people who come to Rockford and Loves Park from around the Midwest, said Tim Dimke, executive director of the Rockford Park District. It will bring potential customers to places like the CherryVale Mall and shops in Machesney Park that are on the path to Sportscore One in Rockford, which brings in sales tax revenue for both villages, Dimke said.

"If we're going to be able to serve all these citizens and have this major economic impact on our region then it takes all these communities working together to make it happen," Dimke said.

Neither village board has discussed the proposal publicly, but both are aware of the request. The Park District hopes to have a decision soon so it can hire an architect by February and start construction this summer. Meanwhile, trustees for both boards have to weigh whether it's a worthwhile expense for their communities.

"The pitch to Machesney is that it's going to benefit the whole region," said Tim Savage, village administrator for Machesney Park. "The board is trying to wrap their heads around what the true impact of this initiative is going to be. Is it truly an investment or is it a gift?"

Trustees Erick Beck and Kate Tammen each said they support the concept, but need to study how the village could afford the contribution before they commit to the expense.

"I don't think it will impact us as much as it will Rockford or perhaps even Loves Park, but I think that it will bring people to our area as well," Tammen said.

It would be a commitment of $30,000 a year for 20 years from village coffers. Trustee James Kidd said he can't support that, especially since the village added a new tax on natural gas and electricity a year ago.

"I'd rather take that $30,000 and use it to repeal the 5 percent utility tax that the village levied against its citizens," Kidd said. "The Rockford Park District does the best bang for their buck, however, Machesney Park needs to focus within itself and develop our programs and our citizens' needs."

Cherry Valley Trustee Steve Appell said he sees the possibilities for his town's economy. Summer soccer tournaments already draw young athletes to other attractions in Cherry Valley like the mall and Magic Waters water park.

"In the summer, with those weekend events, I see the soccer teams all over Cherry Valley and Rockford," Appell said. "When you look at that, there is certainly a regional impact."

The board hasn't had the opportunity to discuss a funding source or amount it would be able to contribute, Appell said.

The goal of the project, dubbed Reclaiming First, is to grow and the area's amateur sports market by expanding current facilities. It involves building a 100,000-square-foot indoor sports facility in the former Ingersoll building in downtown Rockford, which could cost up to $21 million. In Loves Park, seven artificial turf fields would be installed at Sportscore Two as well as a building expansion to add three indoor fields, which would cost between $26.5 million and $29.5 million, depending on the scope of the project.

Construction is being financed in a myriad of ways including state grants, sponsorships, naming rights and heftier contributions from Rockford, Loves Park and the Rockford Park District than those requested from the two villages. Winnebago County must also consider whether to contribute $7 million to the project.

Loves Park alderman already approved a $3.38 million contribution over 20 years, and communities across Winnebago County have already supported the implementation of a 2 percent hotel tax increase, which goes into effect Jan. 1. That tax is expected to provide about $12 million to $13 million for the project.